Why did i get pregnant yet i was using a coil?

There are different reasons why a woman may get pregnant even when they are using an intra-uterine contraceptive device.

What you need to know:

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Dear doctor, I used a coil but I got pregnant. I do not know what to do now. Do I remove the coil or the pregnancy?
J. Nakanjako

Dear Nakanjako, an intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD or coil) is a small-shaped plastic device. In Uganda the most common IUCD used is wrapped with a copper wire though in other countries, it mostly contains hormones (MIRENA).

The copper IUCD can stay in the uterus for at least 10 years and is more effective than all other methods of contraception except oral pill and sterilisation. Therefore, it must have been unfortunate for you to get pregnant while using the coil.

A woman may get pregnant if the coil is expelled without noticing. The other reason you should visit your doctor is to determine whether the pregnancy is in the womb or not and to get more advice.

IUCDs are most likely to come out in the first few months of insertion, after being inserted just after childbirth, or in women who have not had a baby before.

An ultrasound examination may be required to determine expulsion since pregnancy makes the womb larger, with a likelihood of the coil strings being swallowed and make it look like the coil was expelled.

Many mothers who get pregnant when using any type of contraception suspect the unborn baby may become abnormal hence the excuse to abort a pregnancy

Becoming pregnant while using the coil does not harm the unborn child, and therefore does not call for abortion. Do remember that abortions are illegal in Uganda.

That said, when a woman gets pregnant when she is using a coil, she may spontaneously miscarry.

If the device is left in place, there is a bigger likelihood of infection in the womb because unlike a normal pregnancy which is protected by a mucus plug, a foreign body like the IUCD interferes with the womb.

There is a likelihood of bleeding in pregnancy and premature delivery. In instances where coil removal may cause a miscarriage, the device can be left in place and delivered with the baby or placenta.